Cattolica

Cattolica is a coastal town in the Province of Rimini, in Emilia-Romagna, situated on the Adriatic Riviera about 35 kilometres south of Rimini. With approximately 16,600 permanent residents—a figure that multiplies greatly in summer—the town is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Italian Adriatic, renowned for its well-equipped beach, vibrant seafront, and the Acquario di Cattolica, one of the most visited aquariums in all of Italy. Its economy revolves around seaside tourism and commerce, with a vigorous business community oriented towards hospitality and leisure services.

In sporting terms, Cattolica has developed a model of civic sport promotion that earned it recognition from ACES Europe as European Town of Sport 2027, the category reserved for municipalities of fewer than 25,000 inhabitants. The evaluating commissioners highlighted the city's quality of life—rated above the Italian average—and the exemplary commitment of local authorities to sport. The sporting offer includes facilities for tennis, football, cycling, beach sports, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, in a territory that encourages active sports throughout the year thanks to its Mediterranean microclimate.